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Daniel Sturridge or Raheem Sterling?

Does Brendan Rodgers stick with the out of form Daniel Sturridge or should Raheem Sterling lead the line?

It’s a debate which took place over the last few days. Mixed responses are leaving many Liverpool fans wondering who Brendan Rodgers will play as the striker this Sunday.

Daniel Sturridge is now weeks into his return after spending 5 months out injured. The injury at the time was a huge blow to the reds and many simply couldn’t wait to have this man back running around in the red kit. Although now many believe Liverpool’s best chance of gaining 3 points on Sunday would be to see Daniel Sturridge dropped to the bench and used as an impact player if required.

There is no doubt Daniel Sturridge has not come back the player he was before the injury. Despite the goal against West Ham only 12 minutes into his return, he simply looks as if he is still regaining his touch and movement. I personally don’t think this is something we should be concerned about for the future. It’s not that simple to come back into the side after being injured for 5 months and be the player everyone remembers.

The alternative that many fans are suggesting on social media is letting Raheem Sterling run the line. Some of Liverpool’s best performances have been when Sterling has been played up top with Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana in behind. For example this formula saw Liverpool play to the best of their ability against Manchester City not so long ago. A real high tempo type of football that was simply too much for Manchester City.

There are positives with Sterling playing up top. The biggest one is the fact he can offer more of a pressing game compared to Daniel Sturridge. Also he looks to be able to stretch defences slightly more due to the fact he hasn’t been injured for 5 months. The biggest negative that concerns me in such a crucial game is his finishing. Don’t get me wrong it has improved over the last 12 months but I feel in such a crucial game we can’t afford to be wasting chances.

Despite Daniel Sturridge not playing to the best of his ability, his finishing compared to everyone within the Liverpool squad is superior. 39 goals in 64 appearances for the reds show that when given a chance he can score. I suppose the only topic concerning the supporters is how he isn’t stretching defences as we remember and his touch looking slightly off.

As Sunday approaches Brendan Rodgers is left with a decision to make. From a personal point of view, I would be sticking with Daniel Sturridge with Raheem Sterling in behind. I feel the big players score in the big games. For me Daniel Sturridge is a big player. He has shown that over the last couple of years and is one of the most clinical finishers Brendan Rodgers has at his disposal. As a fan base we have been desperate to see Sturridge return and by keeping the faith in him we will see the results and hopefully a goal from our main striker this Sunday.